In June 2024, printer sales in the Middle East distribution channel took a substantial hit, with a significant year-over-year (YoY) decline in both sales and revenue. This downturn is largely attributed to a marked decrease in the sales of multifunction printers (MFPs), which has reshaped the landscape of the region’s printing market.
Sales and Revenue Dip
Sales of printers across the Middle East experienced a striking drop of 25.3% YoY, while revenue plunged by 35.2% YoY. This sharp decrease underscores the significant challenges faced by the market, particularly within the multifunction segment. Multifunction printers, which include both inkjet and laser models, saw a dramatic fall in sales. Specifically, inkjet MFPs experienced a 34.9% drop, and laser MFPs saw a 10.5% decline YoY.
Dominance of Multifunction Printers
Multifunction printers have traditionally dominated the market, accounting for approximately 83% of all printer units sold in June 2024. However, their decline has had a substantial impact on the overall market performance. Both the consumer and business channels reported declines, with consumer sales plummeting by 69.2% YoY, and business sales decreasing by 2.3% YoY.
Channel-Specific Trends
Despite the overall downturn, the small and medium retailer (SMR) channel displayed a noteworthy resilience. This segment saw a small but positive growth of 1.2%, helping to mitigate some of the losses in the broader business channel. In contrast, the consumer and business channels struggled under the weight of decreased demand for multifunction devices.
Growth in Single-Function Printers
Amidst the broader decline, there has been a notable surge in single-function printers. Inkjet single-function printers (SFPs) recorded impressive growth, rising by 71.9% YoY, while laser SFPs increased by 16.7% YoY. This growth suggests a shift in consumer preference towards single-function devices, although it has not been enough to counterbalance the overall revenue decline due to a reduction in average selling prices (ASP) and a changing product mix.
Revenue Impact and Market Outlook
The decline in ASP, driven by the shifting product mix, has overshadowed the growth in single-function printers. As a result, the overall revenue for the Middle East printer market has remained flat, despite the increase in unit sales of single-function printers. This situation highlights significant challenges in the multifunction segment, while also pointing to areas of potential opportunity for market players to explore.
In conclusion, June 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the Middle East printer market, reflecting both a sharp decline in multifunction printer sales and emerging trends in single-function devices. As the market navigates these challenges, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for stakeholders aiming to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Source: Tonernews
Covered By: Imaging Solution / Printer Sales
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